Emmy Cleaves - 1 - Teaching Bikram Yoga (2012)

In memory of one of the greatest, most knowledgable, wise and precise yoga teachers: Emmy S. Cleaves (1928-2022).
Her profound knowledge of physiology and technique enriched every class she taught. Thousands of students have benefitted over the years of her teaching Bikram's method in her own very unique way. She practiced daily until the end (she discovered the yoga at the age of 40), and when I met her, she was 83 years old and still putting her leg behind her head in her Advanced class, that she taught and practiced along 3 times a week at Los Angeles Headquarters. She led by example and kept teaching that she is the living proof of the healing power of yoga, and especially this sequence of 26+2. Anyone who took her class knows, that she would create awareness through constant reminders of precision and mindfulness in practice (and life).

Emmy knew about the recordings and her husband Bob kindly supports me publishing them, so everyone who was not blessed by her teaching may enjoy her wisdom as much as they like. Through the publishing of these classes Emmy's wisdom will live on and save even more lives.

I didn't realize how much I carried all she taught me into every single posture I teach, no matter which asana, until I listened to these classes in post-production in order to make the sound more enjoyable for everyone. I will forever be grateful for her teachings, but even more for the connection and mutual understanding we had through the healing of yoga.

I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the incredible yogi who made it all possible: thank you Michon! (instagram: @michonyogi)

Content:
0:00 Pranayama
06:34 Ardha Chandrasana/Half-Moon Pose
13:51 Utkatasana/Awkward Pose
17:52 Garudasana/Eagle Pose
22:04 Dandayamana Janushirsasana/Standing-Head-To-Knee Pose
26:01 Dandayamana Dhanurasana/Standing Bow Pose
30:57 Tuladandasana/Balancing Stick Pose
32:22 Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Pashimottanasana/Seperate Leg Stretching Pose
36:20 Trikonasana/Triangle Pose
41:20 Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Janushirsasana/Seperate Leg Head-To-Knee Pose
45:11 Tadasana/Tree Pose
47:05 Padangustasana/Toe Stand
49:44 Savasana/Dead Body Pose
52:32 Pavanamuktasana/Wind Removing Pose
58:34 Sit-Up
59:03 Bhujangasana/Cobra Pose
1:02:42 Shalabhasana/Locust Pose
1:06:55 Poorna Shalabhasana/Full Locust Pose
1:09:00 Dhanurasana/Bow Pose
1:12:04 Supta Virasana/Fixed Firm Pose
1:16:05 Ardha Kurmasana/Half-Tortoise Pose
1:18:54 Ustrasana/Camel Pose
1:21:55 Sasangasana/Rabbit Pose
1:24:53 Janushirsasana/Head-To-Knee Pose with Pashimottanasana/Stretching Pose
1:30:30 Ardha Matsyendrasana/Spine Twist
1:33:32 Kapalabhati/Blowing in Firm Pose
1:35:04 Relaxation

Photo: Guy Webster from Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class by Bikram Choudhury